Foster A Cat

Ever since Howard and I decided to foster a cat, I've been overflowing with questions:

Do we have the right lifestyles for a cat?

How will Bianca feel about the cat?

How much training will this cat need?

These and so many other questions were buzzing around my head. I'm not going to lie – I was also wondering how Howard would adjust. Let's just say he had some reservations at first – even though he had rescued a cat of his own once and really loved it.

On Thursday, January 7, Bianca and I headed over to North Shore Animal League America. They had a gorgeous little special-needs kitty waiting for me. The people at the Animal League are experts at people-pet match-making. They took just about everything into consideration and knew exactly which cat would fit in best with Howard and my lifestyles.

In walks little Apple. Apple is a gorgeous, petite tabby cat. She's 10 lbs. of furry love. She was a shelter rescue and is declawed. While we would never recommend this procedure, I knew that it would be a plus for Howard. Apple and I connected almost immediately – I couldn't believe it. I was all prepared for a complicated meeting ritual and adjustment period, but I'm telling you, I walked in, we were introduced and less than 10 minutes later, she was purring on my lap. I was able to pick her up, hold her and even squeeze her a little. I couldn't help myself.

So Apple and I had great chemistry, but we weren't out of the woods yet. Bianca was waiting outside for her introduction, which I suspected wasn't going to be as flawless. So to be safe, we placed Apple in a big crate...just in case.

Bianca walked in, started smelling around and actually showed little interest in Apple. There were trainers and behaviorists with us who said that no interest is a good sign. Bianca strolled up to Apple and smelled her. Apple gave Bianca a typical cat greeting of a few hisses and a gentle swat – but after that, all was quiet. The two of them seemed very tolerant of the other and I actually got a feeling that they would be best friends in no time. Bianca is so gentle and sweet and Apple is so mellow and friendly. I knew this was going to work.

“I’ll take her!” I was so excited. I had cats growing up, but none of them were really lap cats. Apple was a big snuggler and I couldn’t wait to get her home and spoil her with love. I went over to the Animal League’s Pet Supply Store and they helped me pick out everything Apple and I would need. Bianca even made out on the deal with a new fuzzy, squeaky duck and treats. We all went home very happy.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better – they did. By the next day, Bianca and Apple were inseparable! Bianca took a very motherly role with her. But that’s not all. Guess who has a little crush on Howard! It’s unbelievable, Apple gazes lovingly at Howard and wants to be near him. Don’t tell anyone, but I think the feeling is mutual!

Fostering an animal is such a rewarding experience. We are all so happy. I am absolutely positive that we are going to adopt her. The Animal League’s Foster Care Program gives you a wonderful opportunity to care for an animal that needs your help, without the pressure of a lifetime commitment. You can certainly adopt your foster pet, like I will with Apple, but if you can’t, you still get to give them love and care and have an amazingly rewarding experience.

I also can’t stress the importance and the benefits of adopting an adult cat. There are so many adult cats that need loving homes, and take it from me – they are so easy to care for.

Thanks to everybody at the Animal League for all the great care they give the animals and for their help in this amazing experience. Fostering a cat has truly changed my life. It can change yours too.

Please help the Animal League care for so many animals in need. Your help can save countless lives.

About Beth

Animal League America spokesperson Beth Stern is such a strong advocate for the animals, and a proud parent to pets Walter, Leon Bear, Charlie Boy, Bella, Yoda and Sophia. Beth helps focus national attention on the plight of shelter animals, appearing on so many TV and cable shows to help spread the word about shelter adoptions. Beth also helps behind the scenes, lending a hand to our rescue team as they take animals from our Mobile Adoption Units to our medical facility. Beth’s passion for the animals is truly unmatched—she even ran a 26.2 mile marathon to save lives.

North Shore Animal League America—the world's largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization—has saved the lives of over 1 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at risk of euthanasia. Through our many innovative programs, we reach across the country to rescue animals from overcrowded shelters, unwanted litters, puppy mills, natural disasters and other emergencies and find them permanent, loving homes. As a leader in the no-kill movement, we are dedicated to promoting shelter pet adoptions; encouraging spay/neuter programs; reducing animal cruelty; ending euthanasia; and advancing the highest standards in animal welfare. Please join us in saving the lives of innocent animals by donating to support our lifesaving mission.